Protect your skin in the sun ....

For the human body, too little exposure to sunlight can lead to a deficiency in Vitamin D – and yet the rising toll of worldwide skin cancer victims is a reminder that too much sun and over-exposure to UV light can be extremely damaging to the skin. As with most things, we need to be aware of the pros and cons, and thus be able to reach a healthy middle ground.
At the first sign of summer, or when going on holiday abroad, there’s often the tendency to over-indulge – especially after the bleak winter months! The key to maintaining a healthy balance is to enjoy the sunshine without allowing your skin to become burnt, and this can mean limiting your daily exposure to less than 15 minutes per day when the sun is particularly strong and if your skin is fair. If you’re darker-skinned, sunburn may not be a problem but you should still be aware that sun exposure accelerates the ageing process, and therefore contributes to lasting skin damage whether immediately visible or not. And so the first tip is to limit your exposure to the sun.

Secondly, SPF creams offer a guaranteed protection from the sun’s rays, while covering up with loose, light clothing and a sun hat is also a beneficial form of protection.

Due to the high content of chemicals in SPF creams, it is important to use a thorough cleansing routine after using them. Chemical ingredients in most skincare products on the market, including sunscreens, can themselves be dangerous to the skin over long periods of use.

Yin Yang Skincare have a firm policy to only use plant oils and other natural ingredients in their products, and have never approved of the metals and chemicals which have been used in increasing strengths in the ‘factor’ creams since the late seventies.

Sunscreens clog the pores and if there is any build-up of metal-, chemical- or mineral-oils, the skin coarsens and loses its fresh, healthy glow, as well as its ability to breathe and regenerate properly on a daily basis.

Use Yin Yang’s Skin Cleanser (200ml, Code YY001) on cotton wool to remove the remains of any heavy factor cream, as well as the dirt and pollution that will have attached itself to it. This should be followed by a fine application of Orange Water Skin Toner (200ml, Code YY002) all over the same area. The sun can also rob the skin of its own nourishing protein, so a slightly richer cream may be helpful during the summer months.

pHamino-Gold Body Moisturiser (200ml, Code YY007) is rich in protective wheatgerm oil with its high levels of the amino acid methionine, known to help combat radiation. This lotion has been popular with outdoor athletes such as swimmers, riders and tennis players for three decades.

Yin Yang’s Organic Aloe Cream (50ml, Code YY024) is specially formulated for use after exposure to UV light as it contains a blend of specific ingredients to help heal sunburn. Three of the most recognised plants for looking after burns are Aloe vera, Calendula officinalis (Marigold) and Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s Wort). Each of these ingredients is included in the cream, combined with cooling essential oil of lavender and methionine-rich wheatgerm. Aloe is a succulent cactus whose leaves can be cut to release a thick, clear gel that nourishes and heals sunburnt skin. Aloe gel is a tried and tested form of relief for sunburn; try growing an aloe plant on an indoor windowsill for a convenient source of the healing gel. Marigold is an annual plant, native to central and southern Europe. Traditionally used in skincare for many centuries - specifically for wounds, insect bites and burns - Aloe is particularly useful during the hot summer months.

To summarise, when indulging in sun worship remember the importance of a very thorough skin cleansing routine to remove any excess of heavy sunscreens, before applying a healing cream as a super moisturiser. When going on holiday be sure to pack your Yin Yang Skin Cleanser, cooling Orange Water Skin Toner, pHamino-Gold Body Moisturiser for daytime use and the Organic Aloe Cream to soothe and heal burnt skin at night.

© 2006 G&G FOOD SUPPLIES LIMITED
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